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The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has rejected claims that his party should be thankful to prominent politicians who joined its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the platform itself has created opportunities for aspiring leaders.
During an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Dickson said the NDC’s growing influence was built through the efforts of its founders and members long before the arrival of some of its most recognisable figures.
The former Bayelsa governor argued that political parties serve as vehicles for candidates seeking public office and should not be portrayed as beneficiaries of those who choose to contest under their banner.
“Don’t make it look like anyone is doing NDC a favour. No one is,” Dickson said.
“Rather, the NDC and I and my colleagues are doing people a favour by granting our platform.”
Party leader defends NDC’s role
Dickson expressed concern over what he described as repeated attacks on the party by some supporters of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He said criticism directed at the party’s leadership risks weakening the same organisation expected to deliver electoral success.
According to him, the NDC demonstrated confidence in Obi by handing him its presidential ticket without a contested primary process and by resolving key decisions within the party without public disputes.
He also pointed to the party’s nomination process as evidence that financial influence did not determine who emerged as candidates.
“Nobody paid shishi. So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to be made the sole presidential candidate and sole vice-presidential candidate, that same party cannot be the one saying that small people are underprivileged,” he stated.
Dickson says he was qualified to contest
The senator also responded to suggestions that he lacked the political credentials to seek the presidency himself.
He maintained that his experience in public service placed him among those capable of leading the country.
“I could have run. There’s no one more qualified than me. There’s no one more qualified than me to run for presidential candidate. None,” he said.
Dickson further noted that the NDC had attracted supporters and political stakeholders from different regions before the entry of Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Dismisses reports of internal divisions
Amid speculation about disagreements within the party, Dickson insisted that relations between the party leadership and its presidential ticket remain cordial.
He described Obi as a valued member of the NDC and said ongoing collaboration within the party shows there is no internal crisis.
“Peter Obi is a cherished member of our party,” he said.
“On our own, we have made him a presidential candidate. Sole presidential candidate. And that counts for something. We are working well together. There’s no crisis.”
Dickson concluded by urging supporters to focus on strengthening the party rather than attacking it, warning that undermining the platform could ultimately affect the fortunes of the candidates they hope to see elected.
Watch the video here…
“The NDC is doing Peter Obi a favour by granting him a platform. You cannot claim to support Peter Obi while at the same time disparaging me, the leadership, or the platform itself. If it is so easy to form a party, then anyone is free to go and form their own”
-Senator Seriake… pic.twitter.com/mhWoMZhaxm
— CHUKS
(@ChuksEricE) June 11, 2026
(@ChuksEricE) June 11, 2026